Hradec nad Moravicí Chateau

The chateau in Hradec nad Moravicí was a meeting place for many international figures. Both Beethoven and Liszt performed here, and the local hunting grounds were admired by Chancellor Metternich, as well as Russian Czar Alexander I himself.

The chateau has a rich history written by the royal Přemyslid dynasties. It stood guard of the provincial border between Moravia and Silesia. It acquired its current appearance during the rule of the last aristocrats, the Prussian Lichnowsky-Woschütz noble family. The complex is comprised of two parts, the Bílý zámek (White Chateau) and the Červený zámek (Red Chateau).

The Lichnowskys were art lovers and the patrons of the most famous musicians of their time. Karl Lichnowsky was a student of the brilliant Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the prodigy's harpsichord was brought over from Vienna to be displayed at the chateau. Hradec nad Moravicí has its closest ties to the story of Ludwig van Beethoven. To this day, chateau visitors can see the chambers in which Beethoven resided and composed his Appassionata. It is said that when he was asked to play it for French officers, he argued with Prince Karl Lichnowsky, and ran off to nearby Opava.

When pianist Franz Liszt performed at the chateau, Felix Lichnowsky bought him a mahogany piano for 600 thalers. Liszt enjoyed enormous success, and his concerts were sold out. The Lichnowskys established the chateau park. The breeding programme of merino sheep is also legendary, bringing Russian Czar Alexander I to the chateau, and serving as the foundation for the subsequent herds in Australia.